Sean Bowen Aintree Day One rides blog: 'If he settles, he’s capable of running a big race'

Sean Bowen has two rides on Day One of Aintree on Thursday, April 9, 2026. The Coral ambassador previews them both and offers his thoughts on the Aintree Hurdle at 4.05pm in his latest blog.

Sean Bowen Aintree Day One rides blog - Thursday, April 9, 2026

Sean Bowen Aintree Day One rides schedule

• Ammes - Aintree - 1.45 race odds

• Stencil - Aintree - 4.40 race odds

1:45 – Ammes

I kick things off with Ammes in the opener at Aintree. He was a bit disappointing at Cheltenham in a handicap, and this is obviously a tougher assignment stepping into a Grade 1. That said, I do think the track at Aintree could suit him better. He’s had a run over hurdles since, which should help, and there’s every chance he can step forward from Cheltenham.

He’ll need to improve a fair bit — more than just a little — but we’re hoping the conditions here can bring out that progress.

4:40 – Stencil

I ride Stencil later on, and he’s a horse I haven’t sat on before. He’s shown some nice novice form this season. At Cheltenham, he was a bit too keen and didn’t do things quite right over 2m5f, but he still ran respectably considering.

Dropping back to 2 miles on a flatter track like Aintree should suit him much better, and if he settles and gets into a rhythm, I think he’s capable of running a big race.